Fitzalan High School
Osborne Technologies' Aurora immersive classroom & Igloo Vision software
Investing in Future-Ready Learning Environments
About Fitzalan High School
When Fitzalan High School in Cardiff embarked on a sixty four million pound project to rebuild their premises from the ground up, they wanted to ensure students had access to future-thinking facilities that would enhance the outstanding teaching on offer.
Integrating Immersive Learning Across the Curriculum
The Opportunity
As part of their redevelopment, Fitzalan approached Igloo Vision and Aurora by Osborne Technologies to build an immersive classroom which could be used across all departments and by students of all ages from 11-18.
The Solution
Stitched Projection
8 Optoma Projectors
Scent Delivery
Audio System
Dynamic Lighting
Wind Machine
Igloo Media Player (IMP)
Aurora Console
The Results
After one term in its new premises, Fitzalan has already found plenty of ways to incorporate immersive learning into the curriculum and the large, visually impactful space can easily accommodate up to 35 students with plenty of room to move around and interact with the display.
Installed in September 2023, the Fitzalan Immersion Studio is a big hit with students and staff, and has so far been used for virtual field trips to inspire creativity and to celebrate the history and diversity of the Tiger Bay area in Cardiff. It’s even hosted an immersive history lesson for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The immersive classroom runs using Igloo Core Engine, the operating system for immersive spaces by Igloo Vision which makes it easy for educators to incorporate immersive learning into their teaching.
One of the big advantages of Igloo Core Engine is the flexibility of the software, which is designed to display almost any type of immersive or traditional content on any display – including 360° video and specialist VR learning content. Fitzalan staff have been making use of Igloo’s native integrations for YouTube 360° and Google Streetview, and have also been creating their own immersive learning content using 360° video and presentations in Microsoft Sway.
- Mrs Kemp, Assistant HeadteacherWhen designing a school for the 21st century, surely there should be spaces like this to bring learning to life for young people. Actually being in the room and experiencing it just makes things more memorable, more understandable and we’re going to really benefit.
- Mrs Kemp, Assistant HeadteacherStaff have been pleasantly surprised with how easy the system is to use. Everybody was involved in the design and visioning from every child and support staff, to teaching staff and senior staff. I think we’ve really got a school to be proud of.
How teachers are using the immersive classroom to enhance learning
Immersive films exploring local and global history
Teachers are using the immersive classroom to bring history to life through 360° films and virtual storytelling. Students created a film exploring Cardiff’s multicultural heritage and have also experienced trench warfare during the First World War through CGI and reenacted immersive content.
Taking virtual field trips beyond the classroom
The space is enabling new opportunities for experiential learning. Sixth-form learners studying American politics took a virtual tour of the Supreme Court and spoke directly with a court representative, combining immersive experiences with real-world insight.
Enhancing science and geography
Complex ecological and geographical concepts can be explored in a visual and interactive way. Students have investigated aquatic ecosystems and diverse landscapes through immersive content, helping them grasp challenging spatial ideas and connect theory with real-world environments.
Discover Your Virtual Classroom